Latest news with #GemologicalInstituteofAmerica
Forbes
7 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
Billions Of Years In The Making: Why Natural Gems Still Reign Supreme
When Maisie Plant, the young wife of the American industrialist, Morton Plant, was seated next to Pierre Cartier at a dinner party in 1917, she was said to have marveled over two strands of pearls so exquisite and perfect in its graduation that she wasn't surprised at its $1 million dollar price tag. However, feeling trepidation about spending that amount of money on jewelry, Cartier proposed a trade. In exchange for the necklace, the Plants could offer their newly completed neoclassical townhouse her husband had built at the corner of Fifth Avenue and 52nd Street. The Plants were eager to leave the area as it was becoming more commercialized. The exchange was made, and Cartier established his New York flagship boutique, a cornerstone of the brand's global presence. Two decades later in 1937, movie star Hedy Lamarr quietly escaped her first husband, an Austrian arms dealer, taking with her the wedding jewelry from Cartier. Disguised as a maid, she found her way to Paris and eventually London. When she heard that the head of MGM studio, Louis B. Mayer, would be on board the SS Normandie bound for NY, she sold her jewels to secure first-class passage to meet him and negotiate a contract. She eventually met Mayer and befriended his wife during the transatlantic journey, and thus began her life in Hollywood. Evaluating a gemstone at GIA. Gemological Institute of America Intrepid french traveler and gem merchant, Jean Baptiste Tavernier, was known for his self financed travels into the far east during the 17th century. His far flung adventures, well documented in his books, most notably 'The Six Voyages of Jean-Baptiste Tavernier,' were well read by the luminaries of the time as insight to understanding Persia, India, and Japan. Over the years, Tavernier found and traded gemstones during his travels and on one fortuitous journey to India in 1666, he acquired a deep blue colored 112 carat diamond from the Kollur mine in Golconda. Tavernier would eventually sell the stone to Louis XIV, who would induct the jewel into the French Crown Jewels. Its mysterious journey of becoming part of the French Royal Family to being recut, bought, stolen, found and sold would find its final resting place at the Smithsonian as the iconic Hope Diamond, one of the largest blue diamonds in the world. Such a discovery brought Tavernier not just wealth, but a barony, estates, and a place in history, a reminder that gemstones, in the right hands, can alter fortunes entirely. They have provided passage, negotiated futures, and held value when other assets could not. Their small scale allows them to move silently through history, yet their impact is often considerable. Whether in a private collection, a royal treasury, or a discreet safe deposit box, natural gemstones remain among the most concentrated and enduring stores of wealth. 'I think it truly ties to this magical and mystical value that people have always placed on gemstones,' explains Susan Jacques, CEO of the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). 'We often talk about jewelry that's been around for millennia, from the first shell with a little hole in it that somebody on a beach tied some twine around and put it around their neck as a first piece of adornment all the way through different civilizations. There has been such tremendous value ascribed, whether it be political power or personal emotional power. There were talismans.' The Gemological Institute of America is at the heart of establishing and preserving that value of gemstones. Since its founding in 1931, GIA has built its global reputation for impartiality, consistency, and scientific rigor. Its grading reports have become the definitive benchmark in the trade and its documents not only certify a gemstone's attributes but also offer assurance in a marketplace where provenance and precision matter. GIA's grading system for diamonds, first introduced in the 1950s, is now considered the universal language for assessing quality. The '4Cs,' cut, color, clarity, and carat weight, are so widely adopted that they underpin virtually every gem transaction. Behind the standard lies a commitment to neutrality, with the Institute operating as a nonprofit entity, free from the pressures of commercial interests. GIA diamond grading lab. Gemological Institute of America A recent visit to GIA's offices and laboratories, guided by Tom Moses, Executive Vice President and Chief Laboratory and Research Officer, revealed the sophisticated blend of advanced technology and exacting human expertise that sustains the Institute's reputation as the gold standard in gem grading and evaluation. Among the most iconic stones ever assessed by the GIA are the Hope Diamond and the more recent Winston Red, the 5th largest fancy red diamond at 2.33 carats. Their grading reports attached to these gemstones provide more than a summary of their physical characteristics. They document rarity, origin, and detail that is meticulously observed and recorded. To own a gem with a GIA certificate is to possess not just the stone but the validation of its place in the broader narrative of gemological excellence. Hope Diamond on Cartier necklace. Hope Diamond by Chip Clark/Smithsonian. 'If you look at the fact that the earth is only 4.5 billion years old, these were created as all that shifting heat, pressure and everything was occurring in the Earth's formation. To be able to find that treasure and then own that treasure, I think comes with such an emotional tie to it that is not replicated with man made products today,' describes Jacques of the true value of mined gems. CEO of Gemological Institute of America, Susan Jacques. Gemological Institute of America That trust is particularly vital in today's market, where the emergence of lab-grown diamonds introduces a new layer of complexity. Grown using high-pressure, high-temperature, or chemical vapor deposition processes, these stones are chemically and physically comparable to natural diamonds, but lack the time-bound provenance of their mined counterparts. Lab-grown diamonds have gained traction, particularly among younger consumers drawn to their price accessibility and perceived sustainability. They offer an alternative for buyers seeking the optical properties of diamonds without the cost or environmental considerations often associated with traditional mining. As their market share grows, the industry has responded by developing clearer labeling standards and more nuanced pricing structures. GIA has approached this shift with characteristic precision. It offers a separate grading report for lab-grown diamonds, clearly distinguishing them from natural stones while still applying the same analytical rigor. GIA's 'Lab Grown Diamond Report' is scheduled to be released at the end of Q3. 'I do believe that there is a coexistence that can happen with different gem materials. One is not better than the other. The most important factor is that the consumer understands exactly what they're buying,' explains Jacques. Still, the distinction between the two remains meaningful. While lab-grown diamonds have found a place in the jewelry landscape, natural gemstones continue to command a different kind of reverence. Their geological origins, shaped over eons, connects them to the earth in a way that cannot be replicated. Their scarcity ensures that each remains a unique object, not just in form but in story. The role of GIA in articulating and certifying that story is foundational. Through its laboratories, research, and educational outreach, the Institute reinforces a set of standards that both reflect and shape the values of the industry. Its work ensures that gems are not only admired for their appearance but respected for their integrity. Amid a marketplace shaped by shifting values and constant change, the enduring presence of a natural gemstone remains. Discreet yet significant, it continues to represent permanence and meaning. That its quality and provenance can be established with precision reflects the vital role of institutions like GIA, which quietly aligns science and technology with the human appreciation for rarity. More information and historical stories about gems can be found on GIA's website.
Associated Press
22-07-2025
- Science
- Associated Press
Moon Magic Reveals the Ancient Secret Contained within Modern Jewelry: Bringing the Rare Phenomenon of Adularescence to Life
Amsterdam-Based Brand Reveals the Science Behind Moonstone's Mystical Glow While Making This Rare Gemstone Phenomenon Accessible Worldwide. Throughout the ages, people have been fascinated by a mysterious optical event: an otherworldly, shimmering light that seems to float under the skin of certain gemstones, rippling like liquid moonlight when the gemstone spins in your hand. This mystical phenomenon, referred to as adularescence, has been the subject of legend over the course of human cultures from ancient Romans who believed that moonstone was formed from congealed moonbeams, to Hindu mythology that considered it to be filled with actual pieces of the moon. Today, Amsterdam jewelry brand Moon Magic is bringing this rare geological phenomenon to a new market. With the synergy of gemological expertise and global reach, the brand makes authentic, adularescent moonstone accessories available to women worldwide. The Science Behind the Magic Moon Magic describes how adularescence occurs due to light diffraction within the layered structure of the moonstone, between alternating layers of albite and orthoclase. The light is diverted and scattered across microscopic boundaries within the crystal as it passes through the layers, giving off a silvery to bluish luster that is similar to moonlight. This phenomenon gives the stone its signature ethereal quality, as the light seems to move across the surface with every shift. According to the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), the finest moonstones are nearly transparent and colorless to the eye, with a vivid electric-blue adularescence. Because this glow is highly directional, it is visible only when the stone is illuminated and viewed from specific angles, making each piece of moonstone jewelry uniquely mesmerizing. Traditionally, high-quality moonstone jewelry with genuine adularescence has been limited to luxury markets with corresponding price points. Moon Magic disrupts this model by sourcing directly from global suppliers and eliminating traditional retail markups. Every Moon Magic gemstone is 100% authentic, ethically sourced, and independently tested by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). 'Since 2016, we've built trusted relationships with our global suppliers, states Laura, co-founder of Moon Magic. 'With our team members on the ground, we are able to bring you high-quality gemstones without the traditional luxury markup.' A Phenomenon Worth Preserving Moon Magic notes that the rarity of genuine adularescence makes authentic moonstone increasingly valuable. The effect is best shown in low- to medium-domed cabochons, with blueish adularescence preferred over whitish or silvery effects. Ideal stones exhibit high transparency and minimal body color, allowing the optical effect to shine through. As awareness of gemstone authenticity grows, Moon Magic represents a modern shift, blending ancient geological marvels with ethical sourcing and transparency. The brand's direct-to-consumer model and GIA certification serve as safeguards in a market where synthetic and treated imitations are prevalent. Adularescence distinguishes moonstone from nearly every other gemstone. Once available only to select buyers, this natural optical wonder is now accessible through Moon Magic's ongoing efforts to preserve and promote the beauty of genuine moonstone. For more information about Moon Magic and adularescence moonstone jewelry, visit About Moon Magic Moon Magic was founded in 2016 and is located in Amsterdam. Moon Magic is a brand specializing in authentic moonstone and gemstone jewelry featuring natural optical effects such as adularescence. The gemstones are third-party certified by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and sustainably sourced through direct supplier relationships. The company has delivered to more than 500,000 customers globally and has in excess of 1.8 million social media followers. Moon Magic assists in global sustainability by teaming up with Trees for the Future, where they plant a tree for each sale of jewelry. Media Contact Company Name: Moon Magic Contact Person: Walter Email: Send Email Country: United States Website: Source: Brand Push
The Hindu
26-06-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
GIA announces new initiatives for Indian market
Gemological Institute of America(GIA), which is into diamond/gem grading and analysis, education and research has announced the introduction of its Finished Jewellery Report & Coloured Stone Report service in India to provide details about the jewellery piece's components including the metal, gemstone characteristics, and existing engravings. These examinations are part of its gemstone identification and pearl services and focus on the gemological examination of the gems in the jewellery pieces, GIA said. The description in the Finished Jewellery Report will include metal verification and ranges for the clarity, colour, and estimated carat weight of D-to-Z diamonds that don't already have GIA reports for unmounted diamonds. The Jewellery Report will also include details of any current markings. For diamonds that have existing GIA report numbers, the specific grades will be detailed on the report with a link to GIA's Report Check for additional verification, it said. Beginning later this year, GIA said it will start using descriptive terms to characterize the quality of laboratory-grown diamonds and will no longer use the colour and clarity nomenclature that it has developed for natural diamonds. The Institute will continue to accept laboratory-grown diamonds for evaluation and identification, it said. The revised GIA description system for laboratory-grown diamonds will confirm that the submitted item is a laboratory-grown diamond and whether it falls into one of two categories, 'premium' or 'standard.' The categories will be defined by a combination of metrics related to colour, clarity and finish. If the man-made diamond fails to achieve the minimum standard for quality, it will not receive a designation from GIA. Until the revised descriptive system for laboratory-grown diamonds is finalized, the current GIA services for laboratory-grown diamonds will continue to be available, it added. 'More than 95% of laboratory-grown diamonds entering the market fall into a very narrow range of colour and clarity. Because of that, it is no longer relevant for GIA to describe man-made diamonds using the nomenclature created for the continuum of colour and clarity of natural diamonds,' GIA said. This change will help consumers understand the important differences in the two products' origin, ensuring their confidence and enabling them to make informed and educated purchase decisions, it said. Susan Jacques, President & CEO, at briefing in Mumbai reiterated the Institute's commitment for integrity and independence. She said that GIA India would maintain a steadfast focus on its mission to uphold trade & consumer confidence in India's gems and jewellery business at a time when there is a lot of confusion. GIA also named Pritesh Patel, as its new President and Chief Executive Officer, effective August 4, 2025. He holds a Master of Business Administration from the Marshall School of Business at the University of Southern California. He will be responsible for operational strategy, planning, developing and implementing innovative solutions.
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Business Standard
26-06-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
GIA to expand Indian offerings, revise grading for lab-grown diamonds
Gemological Institute of America (GIA) will continue to add new services to the Indian market to ensure that consumer confidence in gems and jewellery remains intact. 'We certainly understand the criticality of how India's retail market is growing, and as our mission is to ensure consumer confidence in gems and jewellery, we will continue to add new services as required to ensure that confidence remains,' Susan Jacques, president & global chief executive officer at GIA told Business Standard. Jacques, however, did not elaborate on what services are expected. 'I can't give you definitive plans, but we certainly have continual conversations about what our presence needs to be and where. In education, we have obviously a different plan than for laboratory services, but we see great opportunity in coloured stones,' Jacques said. She also added that GIA has introduced pearl services as well in the Indian market. 'We don't necessarily need to enlarge our footprint to provide our services. As India was a diamond dominant, and our clients who submit for our services in most cases are not necessarily the retailer, they're the manufacturer. Being present for diamonds in India was extremely important, and we came early,' she explained. While talking about emerging trends, she said that in the US market, a lot of people are choosing different cuts for diamonds than previous generations. 'We're seeing a huge shift towards fancy cut diamonds versus a traditional round cut. We're seeing people aspiring to have a coloured gemstone for an engagement ring. As trends evolve and as the consumer preferences change, we adapt to the necessary services we can provide,' Jacques said.
The Star
08-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
Sparkling potential in gemmology
As industries evolve and the demand for ethically-conscious, scientifically-skilled professionals increase, gemmology is fast gaining traction, said Gemological Institute Malaysia sales and marketing manager Tan Zhi Peng. He said for students with a passion for precious gems and a curiosity for how the natural world intersects with design and business, Malaysia's gem and jewellery industry presents growing and meaningful opportunities. 'Gemmology is the scientific study of gemstones, encompassing their formation, properties, identification and classification. 'In an era where authenticity and ethical sourcing are important, gemmology ensures the integrity of the jewellery industry,' Tan explained, adding that it enables professionals to verify the origin, quality and authenticity of gemstones, thereby building consumer trust and upholding industry standards. Professionals entering the field, he stressed, must be well-versed in international certification standards, such as those from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), or hold a diploma in gemmology. Awareness of global ethical sourcing practices is also essential. 'There is a growing consumer demand for transparency and ethical sourcing. 'Consumers are increasingly seeking certified gemstones that are conflict-free and sourced responsibly, with considerations for environmental sustainability and fair labour practices. 'Understanding the properties and value of gemstones enables professionals to make informed decisions in design aesthetics, pricing strategies, and marketing,' he said. He also pointed out that Malaysia's gem and jewellery industry saw jewellery exports reach RM7.7bil in 2023 – up from RM7.39bil in 2022. According to projections, he said the Malaysian jewellery market, valued at approximately US$10.11bil (RM47.58bil) in 2022, is expected to grow to US$12.45bil (RM58.52bil) by 2029, reflecting a compound annual growth rate of 3.0%. 'Export-wise, Malaysia has established itself as a significant player, particularly in the gold jewellery segment, with key export destinations including Singapore, the United Arab Emirates and Hong Kong. 'The industry's growth and the increasing emphasis on ethical practices have expanded the demand for skilled professionals in these areas,' he added. He highlighted Tomei Consolidated Berhad as an example of a prominent Malaysian company offering a variety of career opportunities for gemmology graduates. 'Gemmology graduates have diverse career opportunities, including roles such as gemstone appraisers, jewellery designers, quality control specialists, auction house consultants and retail managers. 'At our institution, gemmology education provides a solid foundation in the scientific aspects of gemstones, which is invaluable for careers in jewellery design, appraisal, and merchandising,' he said, adding that specialised roles like gemstone appraisal and auction house consultancy are also becoming increasingly sought-after. 'These professionals play a critical role in the market for high-value and investment-grade jewellery. 'Their expertise ensures accurate valuation for insurance, resale and investment, making them indispensable in a growing industry,' he said.
